Effect of sizes of female broodstock on fry survival and condition factors of “Clariabranchus” (Clarias gariepinus ♀ x Heterobranchus bidorsalis ♂)

Abstract

The effect of sizes of female broodstock on the fry survival and condition factors of “Clariabranchus” (Clarias gariepinus female X Heterobranchus bidorsalis male) was investigated. The experiment was designed into three treatments (I, II, III) representing three weight categories of female broodstock; 900-1000g, 600-700g and 300-400g and was replicated thrice. One male broodstock weighing 2,050g was used to spawn the nine females. The experiment was in two phases, first phase was for two weeks in the in-door hatchery unit where induction was done using Ovaprim and reproductive performance examined; the second phase was for four weeks in the out-door section where growth, condition factor and survival were examined. The result of the experiment showed that Treatment I (900-1000g) had highest survival 50.2(±6.78)% which was significantly superior (P0.05) difference between two or more treatments with regards to the condition factor.